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Country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) launched mid-sized sedan Ciaz at competitive prices to challenge the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, VW Vento and Skoda Rapid.
Here are the introductory prices (ex-showroom New Delhi) of different variant:
Maruti Ciaz petrol
V: Rs 6.99 lakh
V+: Rs 7.55 lakh
V+ AT: Rs 8.65 lakh
Z: Rs 8.24 lakh
Z AT: Rs 9.34 lakh
Z (O): Rs 8.59 lakh
Maruti Ciaz diesel
V: Rs 8.04 lakh
V+: Rs 8.63 lakh
Z: Rs 9.45 lakh
Z (O): Rs 9.80 lakh
The petrol variants are powered by the 1.4-litre K-Series engine that is found in the Ertiga. The motor generates 92.45 PS (91.14 bhp) and 130 Nm of torque.
Standard transmission is a 5-speed manual unit but a 4-speed AT is available as an option in the V+ and Z trims.
The engine returns a best-in-class ARAI certified fuel economy of 20.73 kmpl when mated to the manual gearbox.
The familiar 1.3-litre DDiS (Fiat MultiJet) is the diesel engine of choice. The motor which is available in its 90 PS/200 Nm tune is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox to deliver an ARAI rated fuel economy of 26.21 kmpl, which makes the diesel Ciaz the most fuel efficient car on sale in the country.
Equipment wise, the fully loaded Z (O) trim offers dual airbags, ABS with EBD, engine Start/Stop button, leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors with camera and SmartPlay infotainment system.
Projector headlamps, electrically adjustable ORVM, audio system and keyless entry are standard across the range.
The sedan is available in seven exterior colour options - Snow white, Dignity Brown, Sangria Red, Silky Silver, Glistening Grey, Midnight Black and Clear Beige.
A3 segment (Ciaz’s segment in Maruti’s terminology) is the fastest growing segment and the company is targeting executives in the 30 - 40 years age bracket.
The company, along with its vendors, has invested Rs 620 crore (Rs 6.2 billion) on development of Ciaz. The mid-sized sedan has been developed on a completely new platform.
In addition to the domestic market, the company also plans to export the car to markets in the Middle East, Latin In India, Ciaz would compete with Honda City, priced between Rs 7.19 lakh and Rs 11.05 lakh and Hyundai Verna tagged between Rs 7.39 lakh and Rs 11.72 lakh, respectively (ex showroom Delhi).
Since the bookings opened for the car last month, the company has received orders for 10,000 units.
Ciaz will replace the SX4 sedan, which had a limited success. At its peak, SX4 sold about 3,000 units a month, while the current segment leader Honda City sells about 5,000 units a month.
Overall, the mid-sized segment witnesses sales of around 16,000 units per month.